PORTHMADOG 2

RUTHIN TOWN 0

ON course for a point with 10 minutes remaining, Ruthin Town suffered some late disappointment during their Huws Gray Alliance trip to Porthmadog.

The scoreline was still scoreless as time ticked beyond the 80th minute, but the Gwynedd hosts bagged two goals in the space of less than 10 minutes to seal their 12th league win of the campaign.

Chris Williams' charges were seeking their 10th win this season and they made a strong start to the encounter, playing some neat passing football in the process.

After just two minutes, visiting skipper Ilan Hughes lifted a dangerous free kick into the dangerzone and home number one Richard Harvey failed to keep hold of it in a crowded box.

This sparked a big scramble before the ball was finally cleared.

Continuing on the front foot, Ruthin managed to force an early corner and Gwion Owen tested Harvey with a shot from the edge of the box.

Gradually, Porthmadog came more into the game, with Sion Edwards a threat down the left and from one of his crosses, Joe Chaplin rose well, but he saw his header go wide.

Neither side was able to dominate and it soon became clear that clear scoring chances were going to be rarity.

Sion Edwards’ crosses looked like being Port’s most likely outlet and Joe Chaplin met another of these to test Ryan Goldston with a downward header.

Tom Taylor met a corner from the same player, but his glancing header flew wide.

Julian Williams' angled shot hit the side netting for the hosts and Porthmadog's best chance of the first half fell for Sion Bradley, who pulled his shot narrowly wide.

Ruthin began to pose a threat again as the half drew to a close, with Richard Harvey going down well at his near post to keep out a low shot from Gwion Owen.

The second half started in much the same vein as the first, with defences in charge and neither keeper being overworked.

Home defender Tom Taylor went close to breaking the deadlock on the hour, with his header hitting the crossbar.

Ruthin responded with periods of strong pressure and the home defence was being seriously tested.

With time running out, Porthmadog claimed the lead.

After 83 minutes, Joe Chaplin set up Meilir Williams to race forward and beat an advancing Ryan Goldston with a cool finish under pressure.

The points were in the bag in the second minute of injury time when Sion Bradley fired a low shot just inside Goldston’s right hand post.